What do you think of kids and sport?

Nicole Ann Wells Papagni - Yes. Not necessarily only sport but dancing too, any thing that keeps them fit and healthy. They will do one sport or activity.

Hlengiwe Mdletshe - Yep, it gives them long life

Maryna Brand – My child isn’t very sporty. He loves culture. Drama and music is his love.We don’t force our kids to do something that they don’t want to do. They enjoy playing, swimming and riding bike.

Thelma Rosy Labuschagne - Absolutely! It's not even negotiable. Fortunately mine is very active and sporty, they participate in every season's sports at the school and they do karate throughout the year! A couch potato won’t do!

Margo Oosterwyk – My boys play sports at the school and my husband and I support them 100%. It’s very important!

Why sports are important for your kids

Playing sports and spending time outdoors is an important part of healthy development for kids. Making physical activity a priority and encouraging good habits in children from an early age is can help them to develop the skills they need to continue being active throughout their lives.

When kids are active, their bodies can do the things they want and need them to do. Why? Because regular exercise provides these benefits:

• promote healthy growth and development

• strong muscles and bones

• improve balance and develop skills

• weight control

• decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes

• better sleep and help with relaxation

• improve posture

• a better outlook on life and improve self-esteem

Healthy, physically active kids also are more likely to be academically motivated, alert, and successful.

What Motivates Kids?

- Choosing the right activities for a child's age. If you don't, the child may be bored or frustrated.

- Giving kids plenty of opportunity to be active. Kids need parents to make activity easy by providing equipment and taking them to playgrounds and other active spots.

- Keeping the focus on fun. Kids won't do something they don't enjoy.

- Get involved. Whatever skills they need to practice, whether it be kicking, hitting, throwing or something else, work with them in a fun manner. Set up some games in the backyard based on their skills and play. Show your children that you care about what they do.